40th Anniversary of the First AIDS Cases

This June 5th, the world will mark the 40th Anniversary of the first reported cases of AIDS identified in the U.S. The 40th Anniversary of HIV signifies a moment in history where we remember those we’ve lost to HIV/AIDS and honor their memories. The 2021 tagline is: 40 Years of Progress – It’s time to End the HIV Epidemic. It is a time to pay tribute to the U.S. scientists, researchers, advocates, healthcare professionals, and public health workers who have contributed to our global effort to end the HIV epidemic. The commitments of international partners, federal agencies, advocates, and community organizations who work tirelessly on the frontlines in face of this global public health crisis are what push us forward. This milestone is an opportunity to reaffirm commitment to tackling HIV, demonstrating that despite the worldwide challenges due to COVID-19, we remain focused on ensuring resources and capacity to end the HIV epidemic in the U.S. and abroad.

Learn more and download tools to help raise awareness at:

www.hiv.gov/events/40-years-of-hiv

View our agency timeline for a look back at the beginnings of HVCS.